Two men were detained by New York police in connection with two homicides that occurred last year and were thought to be related to a string of druggings and robberies of Manhattan bar and nightclub patrons by criminal gangs, assaults that put the city’s nightlife industry on edge.
Jacob Barroso of New Britain, Connecticut, and Robert Demaio of the Brooklyn neighborhood of New York was charged with murder, robbery, identity theft, and other offenses, according to the police.
Police claimed they were still hunting for a third guy in the case even though Barroso and Demaio had already been detained on Saturday and Monday.
The arrests were connected to the passings of 33-year-old political consultant John Umberger and 25-year-old social worker Julio Ramirez in April and May last year, respectively.
The medical examiner’s office declared that their deaths were caused by “drug-facilitated thefts.”
According to police, the practice comprised giving partygoers high doses of narcotics to make them unconscious, stealing their wallets and phones, and occasionally using their online banking credentials to empty their accounts.
Between September 2021 and August 2022, 17 of these occurrences, according to investigators, were under investigation.
A grand jury indicted Barroso, Demaio, and many others last month.
After being arraigned in court on Monday, Barroso and Demaio were given a no-bail order. While Demaio’s counsel argued that his client played a minor role in the crimes and requested Demaio’s release, Barroso’s attorney said they would fight the charges.
Do you know the whereabouts of Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert Demaio, Jacob Barroso? The individuals are wanted in connection with two previously released homicide investigations. Any info call us at 800-577-TIPS or anonymously post a tip on our website https://t.co/TRPPY5zHV2 pic.twitter.com/12mqYMmHC4
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) April 1, 2023
JOIN US ON WHAT'SAPP, TO GET INSTANT STATUS UPDATES AND BE IN THE KNOW.
CLICK HERE
